Built 893 Civil Helicopters In 2008

Robinson Helicopter Company managed to defy the odds as 2008 drew to a close, producing even more helicopters for civil use than the Torrance, CA company accomplished in record-setting 2007.

Robinson held onto the title of world's leading manufacture of civilian helicopters, building 893 civil helicopters in 2008... beating the prior record-setting year of production by 70 aircraft, due largely to continued strong sales overseas. As of July 2008, a full 70 percent of Robinson's sales were to non-US customers.

A full 80 percent of the company's sales were models of the four-seat R44. Introduced in 2002, the Raven II, a more powerful version of the original R44 now accounts for 60% of the company's aircraft sales. The original R44, later designated the Raven I, accounts for roughly 20% of aircraft sales.

Making up the difference was the R22 two-seat training helicopter. With 164 ships produced in 2008, Robinson says the R22 still maintains its niche in an increasingly competitive market.  

With a wary eye towards global economic conditions, Robinson says its focus for 2009 will continue to be product development -- including bringing its largest model to date to market, the Rolls Royce RR300 powered turbine helicopter--  and maintaining its record-breaking production.

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com